MTA recognizes safety honors agency wide

New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority recognized agency-wide contributions to a safer work environment at the 15th annual Chairman's Safety Awards last week. At a ceremony in Grand Central Terminal's Vanderbilt Hall, MTA leaders recognized team achievements within the MTA and its operating agencies.

"Thousands of MTA employees perform their duties in areas far removed from the security of a desk and the fact that they work day in and day out recording a minimal number of injuries illustrates their dedication to safety, which is the number one priority at the MTA," MTA Chairman and CEO Joseph Lhota said. "Even though we've made major strides to reduce accidents and lost time over the years, we should never make the mistake of letting improved statistics lull us into complacency. We need to recognize that when it comes to safety, we must always be vigilant."

"The safety of both our employees and customers will always be our top priority as we continue our commitment to making our workplace 100 percent injury-free," said MTA Chief Operating Officer Nuria Fernandez. "To all award recipients, the MTA is proud to have great employees like all of you and once again, thank you all for your dedication to safety at the MTA."

For employee safety achievements, Gold Awards were presented to teams in New York City Transit, MTA Bus, Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North Railroad and MTA Bridges and Tunnels. NYC Transit's Department of Subways received a Gold Award for its implementation of FASTRACK, which has increased safety and productivity exponentially.

Both Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad received Gold Awards for instituting safety committees that have resulted in significant injury decreases of 45 percent and 42 percent respectively across the workplace. LIRR's committee focused on safety issues relating to infrastructure and rolling stock. MNR's committee introduced a safety hotline and safety advisories of potential workplace hazards. The railroad operations were able to attain these results through a partnership with eight different unions and the Federal Railroad Administration.

Other awards can be viewed at http://www.mta.info/mta/news/releases/?en=120727-HQ1.